Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Maine: Why They Happen and How to Claim Your Money

If you live in Maine (or once did), you might have money sitting in an old bank account you forgot about. When that happens, the funds usually do not disappear. Instead, they often become unclaimed property that the State of Maine holds until the rightful owner comes forward.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed bank accounts work in Maine, how they end up with the state, and step-by-step how people typically claim that money through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not a bank, and not an application portal. This article is here to help you understand the process so you can follow up directly with the official Maine unclaimed property program or other official offices.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in Maine?

An unclaimed bank account is usually a checking, savings, CD, or similar deposit account that has had no owner activity for a certain number of years.

In Maine, when an account is considered “dormant” or “inactive” for too long, the bank is generally required by law to:

1. Try to contact the owner.
2. If no contact is made and the dormancy period is met, transfer the funds to the State of Maine as unclaimed property.

The money is then held by the state’s unclaimed property office, which keeps it until someone files a valid claim.

Typical types of unclaimed bank-related property in Maine include:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Cashier’s checks or bank checks
• Uncashed interest checks or refunds

The process is governed by Maine’s unclaimed property laws, sometimes called “escheat” laws.

How Bank Accounts in Maine Become Unclaimed

Unclaimed accounts usually follow a similar pattern. The details can vary by bank, but the general steps are:

1. Inactivity Over Time

Banks look for “owner activity” on the account, such as:

• Making a deposit or withdrawal
• Logging into online banking (if the bank counts this)
• Updating your address in writing
• Contacting the bank about the account
• Cashing a bank-issued check from that account

If there is no owner-driven activity for a specific number of years (often around 3–5 years, depending on the account type and state rules), the account may be marked as dormant.

2. Lost Contact With the Owner

The situation often involves outdated contact information, such as:

• You moved and didn’t update your address.
• You changed your phone number or email.
• Mail from the bank was returned as undeliverable.
• An owner passed away and no one notified the bank.

If the bank can’t successfully reach you, they typically treat the account as abandoned after the dormancy period.

3. Transfer to the State (Escheat)

Once the account meets Maine’s criteria for abandoned property:

• The bank closes the account at the institution level.
• The balance is sent to the State of Maine’s unclaimed property program.
• The account owner’s name, last known address, and Social Security number (if on file) are also sent to help identify the rightful owner later.

From that point on, you no longer claim the money from the bank. You usually need to file a claim with the State of Maine instead.

How Long Does it Take Before a Maine Bank Account Is Turned Over?

Exact timelines can vary based on:

• Type of account (checking vs. CD)
• Type of property (funds, checks, etc.)
• Applicable Maine statutes during that period

A common pattern is:

• 1–3 years of no contact: the account may be flagged as inactive or dormant at the bank.
• Around 3–5 years: the account may be considered abandoned and then reported and transferred to the State of Maine as unclaimed property.

Because rules and timelines can change, it is best to:

• Check the official Maine unclaimed property office (usually through the state treasurer or a similar state department), or
• Contact your bank’s customer service to ask about dormancy policies.

Who Can Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Maine?

In most cases, the people who can claim an unclaimed bank account in Maine include:

• The original account owner listed on the account
• Joint account holders (if more than one owner)
• Heirs or estate representatives if the owner has died
• Legal guardians or conservators for minors or other protected persons
• Authorized business representatives for business accounts

The state will usually require proof that you are the person listed on the account, or that you are legally entitled to act on that person’s behalf.

Key Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Bank Money in Maine

Document requirements can vary by type of claim and by state, but people are commonly asked to provide:

For individual owners:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Proof of current address, such as a utility bill or lease
• Proof of prior address if the unclaimed account is tied to an old address (old utility bill, lease, tax document, pay stub, etc.)
• Any old bank records, such as statements, passbooks, or checks, if available (optional but helpful)

For heirs or estates:

• Above items for your own identity
• Death certificate of the original owner
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other estate papers
• Will or trust documents, if relevant
• Sometimes, affidavits of heirship or similar forms required by the state

For business accounts:

• Business registration documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, etc.)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Proof of authority to act on behalf of the business (such as corporate resolutions or authorization letters)

If you are unsure which documents you will need, you can typically check the official Maine unclaimed property website or call the state’s unclaimed property office for specific instructions.

How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Maine

While exact website addresses can change, most states, including Maine, operate a searchable online database for unclaimed property. A basic process often looks like this:

Step 1: Go to the Official Maine Unclaimed Property Portal

You can usually find it by searching online for terms such as:

• “Maine unclaimed property”
• “Maine state treasurer unclaimed property”
• “Search for unclaimed money Maine”

To avoid scams, verify you are on an official Maine government site (often ending in “.gov” and clearly referencing a state department such as the State Treasurer).

If you prefer to avoid online tools, you can usually:

• Call the Maine unclaimed property office directly, or
• Ask the Maine State Treasurer’s office how to do a manual search.

Step 2: Enter Your Information

Common search fields include:

• Last name (and first name)
• Business name (for business searches)
• Possibly city or zip code

Consider repeating searches with:

• Prior last names (for example, before marriage)
• Common misspellings of your name
• Old addresses, if the search tool allows that

Step 3: Review Potential Matches

The search results usually list:

• Name of the owner
• Last known address or city
• Holder name (original bank or institution)
• Type of property (e.g., bank account, check, etc.)
• Approximate value range, sometimes listed as brackets like “$0–$100,” “$100–$250,” etc., rather than exact amounts.

If you see an entry that looks like you (or a loved one), you can start a claim following the instructions on the state’s official site.

Typical Steps to Claim Unclaimed Bank Money in Maine

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims. To claim funds, you would usually go through the State of Maine’s official unclaimed property process.

A common claim process includes:

1. Select the Property to Claim

On the Maine unclaimed property search results page:

• Check the box or click the link next to each item you believe belongs to you.
• Add them to your “cart” or list if the site uses that system.

2. Start the Online Claim Form (or Request Paper Forms)

Most state systems will:

• Ask whether you are the owner, heir, or representative.
• Request your contact information (phone, address, email).
• Ask for your SSN/ITIN or partial digits for identity verification.

If you cannot or do not want to submit claims online, many states also allow:

• Mail-in claim forms, which you can print, or
• Requesting forms by phone from the unclaimed property office.

3. Upload or Mail Supporting Documents

Once you begin a claim, the Maine unclaimed property office will usually give you a list of required documents.

Typical methods to send documentation:

• Secure upload through the state’s online portal
• Mailing copies (not originals, if possible) to the office’s official mailing address
• In rare cases or special situations, in-person submission at a state office, if allowed

📌 Tip: Clearly label your documents with your claim number or reference number if one is provided. This can help avoid processing delays.

4. Wait for Review

Processing times in Maine can vary based on:

• The volume of claims
• How complete and clear your documentation is
• Whether there are complex issues, such as multiple heirs

The state may:

• Approve the claim,
• Request additional information, or
• Deny the claim with an explanation.

5. Receive Your Payment

If your claim is approved, the State of Maine normally issues payment by:

• Check mailed to your address, or
• Other payment methods specified by the state (some states use direct deposit, but this can vary).

The timeline for receiving a check can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on processing times and mail delivery.

Common Reasons Maine Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into issues when claiming unclaimed bank accounts. Common problems include:

• Incomplete documentation

  • Missing proof of address, missing ID, or incomplete estate documents.

• Name mismatches

  • Different spellings of your name, maiden vs. married name, or missing middle initials can all cause confusion if not explained or documented.

• Insufficient proof of ownership

  • The state may require stronger evidence that ties you to the account or the old address connected to the unclaimed property.

• Unclear legal authority

  • For heirs or representatives, lacking proper court documents or legal authorization can delay payment.

• Expired or outdated forms

  • Using old forms or not signing where needed may require you to resubmit.

If your claim is denied:

• Review the reason given in the notice.
• Contact the Maine unclaimed property office to ask what additional information is required, or whether there is a review or appeal process you can follow.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a decision about your claim, Maine may offer a way to:

1. Submit additional documents
2. Ask for reconsideration or review
3. Follow a more formal appeal process, which might involve written statements, legal affidavits, or, in rare cases, administrative hearings

The best way to confirm your options is to:

• Check the instructions on the official denial or notice letter.
• Call the Maine unclaimed property office or State Treasurer’s office and ask about the appeal or review procedure.

Special Situations: Deceased Owners, Minors, and Joint Accounts

Unclaimed bank accounts can become more complicated when the listed owner is not available to file the claim themselves.

Claiming for a Deceased Relative

If a parent, spouse, or other loved one died with an old Maine bank account, you may still be able to claim those funds as heir or estate representative, but you will usually need:

• Death certificate
• Proof of relationship (such as birth or marriage certificate, if requested)
• Estate documents (will, letters of administration, or letters testamentary)
• Identification and contact information for all relevant heirs, depending on state law

If there was no formal probate, Maine might offer a simplified or small-estate process, but that depends on the value and specific laws at the time. The unclaimed property office can typically explain which forms or affidavits apply.

Accounts for Minors or Protected Persons

For accounts where the owner is:

• A minor child, or
• A person with a guardian or conservator

The state usually requires proof of:

• The child’s identity, and
• Documentation showing legal authority (such as guardianship papers or court orders) for the adult who is filing the claim.

Joint Accounts

If the unclaimed account was a joint account:

• Any surviving co-owner may be able to claim, subject to Maine law and the account’s legal terms.
• If one joint owner has died, the surviving owner may need to provide a death certificate or other documentation.

How to Make Sure You Are Using Official Maine Channels

Because people searching for “unclaimed money in Maine” can be targets for scams, it’s important to verify that you are using trusted, official sources.

Here are practical ways to check:

• Look for a “.gov” website address and clear mention of a State of Maine department, such as the Maine State Treasurer.
• Search for the unclaimed property office using a general search engine and confirm that it connects to a Maine government website.
• If unsure, call:
  • The State of Maine main government information line, or
  • The Maine State Treasurer’s office, and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division.

🔒 Warning signs of scams:

• A website or person demanding large upfront fees to “find” or “unlock” your unclaimed funds.
• Emails, calls, or letters that pressure you to act immediately or share sensitive personal information.
• Requests to send your full Social Security number, banking passwords, or account PINs over email or text.
• Websites that do not clearly identify which state agency they represent.

While some legitimate “finder” services or locators do exist, many people prefer to work directly with the State of Maine because the official search and claim processes are typically free.

How to Avoid Having Maine Bank Accounts Become Unclaimed in the Future

Once you check for and claim any unclaimed funds, it can help to update your habits so accounts are less likely to become unclaimed again.

Simple steps that can help:

• Keep contact information current with all your banks (address, email, phone).
• Log in or make a small transaction periodically in each account (if allowed by your bank).
• Consolidate small or rarely used accounts when possible.
• Create a simple list of all your financial accounts and keep it in a secure place, so your heirs know what exists.
• When you move out of Maine or change names:
  • Update your information with financial institutions in writing.
  • Keep records of old addresses and names in case you need them later for a claim.

Alternatives if You Don’t Find Unclaimed Money

Not everyone who searches will find an unclaimed bank account. If you still think something is missing:

• Check under variations of your name, such as maiden names or common misspellings.
• Search other states’ unclaimed property offices where you have lived or worked.
• Call the Maine unclaimed property office and ask if there is any additional way to search.

If you are facing financial hardship and do not find unclaimed property, you might consider contacting:

• 2-1-1 Maine, which can connect you to community resources such as housing, food, or utility assistance programs.
• Local social services offices in your county, or
• Nonprofit organizations that help with financial counseling or emergency aid.

These resources operate separately from unclaimed property programs but may help if you were hoping unclaimed funds would cover urgent needs.

Unclaimed bank accounts in Maine are more common than many people realize, and the process to see if money is owed to you is usually straightforward. By learning how accounts become unclaimed, knowing which documents to gather, and following the official State of Maine unclaimed property procedures, you can give yourself the best chance of successfully claiming any funds that belong to you or your family.